Want to sail off the beaten track? Ponant is debuting cruise itineraries to some of the South Pacific’s least-visited locales, including the Gambier Islands, Austral Islands, and remote Pitcairn Island. Trips launch from Tahiti in October on Le Jacques Cartier, an ultra-luxe 184-guest expedition yacht.
Foodies, add this to your bucket list: Access is everything on the new culinary adventures from Elysian Tales, private food tours in Madrid, Barcelona, Lisbon, and Paris that begin in the kitchen of a Michelin-starred restaurant. The highly curated tours feature meet-and-greets (and often drinks) with chefs and give guests the chance to help garnish dishes in the kitchen.
Whiskey lovers have a new reason to arrive early at DFW: the Chase Sapphire Lounge in Terminal D, which has an exclusive whiskey bar with guided tastings and Texas spirits (including a custom barrel selection). The 18,000-square-foot Lounge also offers Face Haus facials, locally roasted Cherry Coffee, and a menu from the popular Dallas restaurant Encina.
Also new at DFW’s Terminal D: American Airlines’ private Flagship check-in will open later this year, providing an exclusive, streamlined check-in service for eligible premium cabin passengers and top-tier loyalty members. Up next is a new Admirals Club lounge for Terminal C.
Have you been to Europe’s Hawaii? The Azores are a remote Atlantic archipelago with dramatic volcanic landscapes, hedgerows of blue hydrangeas, and Portugal’s finest food and wine — and now the islands have a new five-star stay, The Book Hotel. Located in the UNESCO World Heritage City of Angra do Heroísmo, the literary-themed boutique hotel boasts multiple pools, a library bar, and a sumptuous spa with ocean views. Fly there nonstop from Boston in five hours.
If you’d rather try Portuguese cuisine in America’s Hawaii, Hale Hōkūala Kauai luxury resort opens October 1 on Kauai with a Portuguese-Hawaiian restaurant. The Curio Collection by Hilton hotel is right by the famous Jack Nicklaus Signature Course at Hōkūala, just five minutes from Lihue Airport.
Fans of the hit series Emily in Paris will recognize the setting for Paris’ new bistro Le Gratin — it’s on Place De Valois, home to the TV show’s fictional PR agency. Steps from the Louvre in a charming pedestrian square, Le Gratin is the vintage-chic creation of renowned restaurateur Michel Puech. Expect terroir-based delights like chateaubriand, cordon bleu, and decadent lobster gratin.